Sessions

September 11, 2008

I got my first taste of the wedding-photography-experience second shooting for Honey Stetson-Photographer. She came in to one of my photography classes in school and presented her journey from photo student to successful Wedding Photographer, while we all ooh-ed and aah-ed over the fact that here was a real working photographer in our midst. I had not really contemplated wedding photography before, choosing instead to focus on portrait sessions, but found myself interested in her open call to potentially fill a 2nd shooter position. My teacher kept telling us to break out of our comfort zones and try new things... I figured I could learn a few things from someone like Honey. Over the last couple years, I have done that and then some. I've gone from second shooting and assisting to associate shooting to booking my own weddings. It's been a fantastic way to gain real-life experience.

So, when Honey asked if I would shoot an engagement session for her clients, I didn't hesitate. I had never met Kim & Morty before, but after exchanging several emails with Kim, her enthusiasm had me giddy over meeting such a fun couple in a beautiful location like Del Mar (right on the beach - gorgeous light!). We met in a Starbucks, which far from being a random meeting place, turned out to be the location they first met, 10 years ago, as barista coworkers. Although the time wasn't right for a relationship to evolve, they kept in touch over the years and their friendship eventually turned into something much more.

One of my favorite things to do when photographing an engagement session is to watch the couple interact. In this, Kim & Morty did not let me down. As I watched Kim look at Morty, I could tell that she thinks he is the funniest, smartest, most capable man alive. And watching Morty look at Kim was to see the absolute adoration he has for her. In some ways they seem like opposites, but not in a square peg-round hole kind of way. More like a light & dark, day & night, yin & yang kind of way. Watching them together, you see that they complete each other.

Our session differed a bit from others because very little of it was posed. I mostly just watched the two of them together and clicked the shutter when I saw something I wanted to capture. It made for a very enjoyable couple of hours. Here are a few of my favorites from our session... (Click any image to see it bigger.)

Thank you, Kim & Morty, for such a lovely evening. I can't wait to see you guys at your wedding in October!

September 03, 2008

I met up with Bonnie and Sean last weekend for their engagement session. They'll be married in November in Phoenix and I'm super excited to be shooting somewhere I've never been before. (Plus, the photos Bonnie has sent me of the venue are gorgeous, which just makes me even more giddy about the whole thing. :)

Bonnie is the friend of one of my high school friends, Thom, so I guess that kind of means we go "way back", right? :) She was referred to me after seeing photos I took of Cayden, Thom & Jenn's sweetbabe. And now, after meeting Bonnie and her fiance, Sean, a couple of times now, I kind of feel like we do go way back. They are both warm, genuine, down-to-earth people who are super gorgeous inside and out. Not only were they willing to get down in the weeds and dirt for our engagement session, but they looked great doing it too.

Here's a sneak peek at a couple of my instant favorites from their session on her parents' 5-acres out in East County. Seriously... between the light and the raw beauty of the land, I couldn't have asked for a better location!

August 28, 2008

This summer has been so awesome as I've had the opportunity to photograph weddings or process wedding photos nearly every weekend. While it's been great to be so busy, knee-deep in something I absolutely love, I'm also looking forward to the next couple wedding-free weekends. I find that it's so essential to balance out my schedule with some time for myself - shooting for myself, creative post-processing, trying out new ideas and finding new areas of inspiration. It's a must if I want to keep my creativity levels up. And while I'm not abandoning wedding-related items altogether (remember that big project I was talking about? Yes, it has to do with wedding photography! :) I'm taking a breather and reminding myself that I have other projects too. Like the engagement session with Bonnie and Sean this weekend. I'm so excited about it that I went out and rented this. Awesome-ness abounds. I've also set up a session with Marisa and a couple of her friends. Sweet!

In addition to all this, I am finally getting around to processing some family photos from the beginning of summer. If you ask me, my niece and nephew take the cake when it comes to cute. And with my SIL pregnant and due in November? I'm super excited to be an Auntie again! (Not to mention get some super awesome newborn photos. :) Anyway, these are a few of my favorites from the session with one of my favorite little families. (Oh, and the title? I totally bribed the kids with candy and stickers. I am not above rewarding good behavior when it comes to pictures.)

Kid #3 making his/her debut (they're choosing to be surprised this time around.)

June 04, 2008

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend's daughter, Marisa, let me in on a little plan. With her senior year coming to a close, prom was in sight and she had arranged a session for me to take pre-party photos for her group of friends before they headed out to the gala. (I have to admit, this kid is good... I should probably make her my marketing manager.)

In the days leading up to the big day, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. She did all the arranging and told me where to show up. I got to the designated location a bit early, scouted out potential spots for light and minimal background distraction and waited for the kids to arrive. Unfortunately, it was a popular location for prom photos and parents and kids alike edged me out of my first-choice spot. Fortunately for me, I found an even better location and as our kids trickled in, (the girls tell me it takes TIME to look that good!) I started snapping.

I had such a fun time with this session. Not only were the girls stunning and their dates handsome, but they were so nice and funny as heck. They were comfortable in front of the camera, confident in themselves, and assured of the fact that not only was the evening going to be fantastic, but that their bright futures are in front of them, ready for the taking.

Here are a few of my favorites... I had so much fun with all the different colored gowns!

Because there were so many parents photographing their kids and such a limited amount of time, I wasn't able to photograph all of the couples and individuals after the group shots. (Seriously, I think there was one camera to every two kids!) And I think I spend the most time with Marisa and her date because they showed up before everyone else... (See? I told you she was good!)

And a few solo shots...

This last shot cracks me up every time I look at it! It was a bit breezy and I was standing on top of a table with the lens right in their faces. He was surprised that the lens was so close and made a comment to that effect. This is the result:

Marisa & Lauren, thank you so much for setting this up. And thank you to all the prom kids who showed up... you guys are awesome!